(Jodan) Age Uke, or '(Upper) Rising Block,' is a fundamental defensive technique in Shotokan karate. In this technique, the arm is raised upward to block an attack aimed at the head. The blocking arm is lifted from a position near the hip, moving in an arc to cover the face and head, with the palm facing outward. The non-blocking arm retracts to the side of the body, fist closed, in hikite. The movement is executed with the body in a forward stance, such as Zenkutsu Dachi, providing stability and power. Age Uke is used to deflect strikes, such as punches or overhead attacks, and is essential for protecting the upper body.